“That’s was why i always bench him” – Pochettino explains why he keeps benching Mykhailo Mudryk
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In the ongoing chess game of Chelsea’s squad dynamics, manager Mauricio Pochettino has shed light on why Mykhailo Mudryk hasn’t etched his name as an automatic starter in recent fixtures. The Ukrainian winger has found himself warming the bench in the Blues’ last four Premier League encounters, a trend likely to persist until tangible improvements manifest, according to Pochettino’s recent remarks to the Evening Standard and other English media outlets.
Pochettino, articulating the rationale behind Mudryk’s intermittent presence in the starting lineup, emphasized the imperative need for improvement from the young talent. “Yes, now he is on the bench,” affirmed the Argentine manager. “Look, it’s about the form during the season – if you keep your form and you are the best during every training session. As coaching staff, we are a meritocracy – we are going to play with the players who are going to do their best on the pitch. I think he’s a young guy that arrived here one year ago. We know the circumstances around [the transfer]. Of course, he needs to improve.”
Pochettino’s words serve as both a challenge and a roadmap for Mudryk, highlighting the merit-based nature of the manager’s selection process. The Argentine mentor stresses the necessity for consistent form and optimal performance in training sessions, underscoring the young winger’s need for improvement to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup.
The scrutiny extends beyond Mudryk, with Chelsea currently languishing in 11th place in the Premier League. Pochettino candidly acknowledges that improvement is a collective endeavor, resonating with every player within the squad. The team’s recent defensive struggles, epitomized by conceding eight goals in the last two outings, have exacerbated the situation. Chelsea’s aspirations, tarnished by defeats to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool, have dimmed, further underscoring the need for a comprehensive turnaround.
As the echoes of Pochettino’s call for improvement reverberate through Stamford Bridge, the onus rests on every player to elevate their performance, with Mudryk’s situation emblematic of the broader challenges facing the team. The road to redemption for Chelsea demands a collective effort, and only through enhanced form and resilience can they hope to salvage their season and reclaim their desired place among the Champions League contenders.